Capital art: Striking paintings of Edinburgh's illustrious past

16 August 2018

Edinburgh is a city of iconic landmarks. As the Scottish capital welcomes the world this August for the Edinburgh Festivals we take a look how sights including Edinburgh Castle, the Grassmarket and Princes Street have been captured by artists.

Robert Sanderson (1848–1908), Drill Parade, Edinburgh Castle, 1886 (detail) | Photo credit: City of Edinburgh Council, Art UK

The ancient Scottish capital provides a unique backdrop to the Edinburgh Festivals, with the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo taking over the Castle esplanade, Fringe shows in University buildings and crowds of people streaming along Princes Street and the Grassmarket.

We took a look through the huge archive of paintings available at Art UK to see how these well-known spots used to look.

In partnership with Art UK

Art UK is a registered charity whose mission is to open up public collections for enjoyment, learning and research.

William Gawin Herdman (1805–1882), View of the Mound, Edinburgh (detail) | Photo credit: City of Edinburgh Council, Art UK

Unknown artist, Nine Views of the Old Town of Edinburgh: Grassmarket (panel 4 of 9) | Photo credit: City of Edinburgh Council, Art UK

William Turner (1789–1862), The Procession of King George IV Entering Princes Street, Edinburgh, August, 1822 | Photo credit: City of Edinburgh Council, Art UK

Unknown artist, Johnston Terrace and Castle Wynd, Edinburgh | Photo credit: City of Edinburgh Council, Art UK

William Crozier (1893–1930), Edinburgh from Castle Street (verso) | Photo credit: The Fleming Collection, Art UK

William Crozier (1893–1930), View from the Mound, Edinburgh, Looking West | Photo credit: City of Edinburgh Council, Art UK

Public sculptures

The top five public sculptures to visit in Edinburgh.
Where are the women?

A look at Edinburgh's famous women, none of whom are among the city's many statues.
Region guide

Discover more about exhibitions and art events in the city

Charles Halkerston (d.1899), Princes Street from the Mound, Edinburgh | Photo credit: City of Edinburgh Council, Art UK

William Thomas Reed (1845–1881), Leith Races (detail) | Photo credit: City of Edinburgh Council, Art UK

Alexander Nasmyth (1758–1840), Edinburgh from the Calton Hill (detail) | Photo credit: City of Edinburgh Council, Art UK

Robert Sanderson (1848–1908), Drill Parade, Edinburgh Castle, 1886 (artuk.org)
William Gawin Herdman (1805–1882), View of the Mound, Edinburgh (artuk.org)
Unknown artist, Nine Views of the Old Town of Edinburgh: Grassmarket (panel 4 of 9) (artuk.org)
William Turner (1789–1862), The Procession of King George IV Entering Princes Street, Edinburgh, August, 1822 (artuk.org)
Unknown artist, Johnston Terrace and Castle Wynd, Edinburgh (artuk.org)
William Crozier (1893–1930), Edinburgh from Castle Street (verso) (artuk.org)
William Crozier (1893–1930), View from the Mound, Edinburgh, Looking West (artuk.org)
Charles Halkerston (d.1899), Princes Street from the Mound, Edinburgh (artuk.org)
William Thomas Reed (1845–1881), Leith Races (artuk.org)
Alexander Nasmyth (1758–1840), Edinburgh from the Calton Hill (artuk.org)

Eurovison Young Musicians finalists

Meet the six talented teens headed for the final of Eurovision Young Musicians.
Striking paintings of Edinburgh's past

How sights including Edinburgh Castle have been captured by artists.
10 manga titles to start your collection

Although manga originated in Japan, it is a cultural force throughout Asia.
Why I wander Britain looking for love stories

The musician-turned-storyteller has gathered a huge archive over thousands of miles.
Can you tell the real shows from the fake ones?

Take our quiz and try to separate the genuine titles from the ones we've made up.
22 must-see Edinburgh shows

Performers' picks for the Fringe, International Festival and Book Festival.
'These stories never get to be told'

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe shows putting disability in the spotlight.
BBC at the Edinburgh Festivals

Join us at our hub at George Heriot’s School in the heart of Edinburgh for top shows.